Planning commission approves zoning for liquor store at 4706 JFK Blvd; ABC review still required

The North Little Rock City Planning Commission approved a special‑use zoning request that allows the applicant to pursue Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensing for a liquor store at 4706 JFK Boulevard.

Applicant Amber Winesmer described the site in Park Hill, saying the property is within the setbacks ABC uses to measure distance from a church or daycare and that the ABC will make the final determination on whether a license may be issued. "Ultimately that would be up to the ABC to make that decision," she told the commission.

Commissioners asked whether the site had adequate space for a drive‑through; Winesmer said the drive‑through window and lane already exist. She also stated the business would limit interior customer access during late hours: "we would not have our doors open after 10:00 p.m., so even though we would be open that would be drive‑thru only," she said. Commissioners discussed whether the city should add a condition tying drive‑thru hours to ABC hours; the city attorney would be consulted if council action were required.

Colleen Bailey, the city's economic developer, said she vetted the project with the Park Hill Business Association and reported they had no objection; Bailey said the project could spur nearby development. "We feel as economic development that's a good use of that space," she said.

The commission voted to approve the zoning request. Winesmer was told to follow up with planning staff for conditions and to pursue the required ABC application; the ABC will determine final licensure based on statutory distance and other criteria.

What happens next: The applicant will apply to the Arkansas ABC for an alcohol license; the city's zoning approval allows the applicant to proceed to the state licensing step but does not guarantee an ABC permit.